The Institute for Governance and Rural Development (IGRD) handles academic programs that deal with the discourse on rural development studies, community development, extension and agricultural education, development management and governance, and policy studies using integrative and transdisciplinary approaches. Using the core principles of sound governance, IGRD academic programs explore what good governance means in different rural development contexts, not only in the Philippines but also in the Asia Pacific region. Students are encouraged to link the conceptual and theoretical principles of rural development studies and governance to the world of everyday practice. IGRD aims to build capacities of leaders in local governments, communities, business and public organizations.